Happy Birthday Grandpa Turek

I'm a slacker (what's new?) but today is my dad's birthday. Hard to believe he's still alive and kicking after all my brothers and sisters have put him through. It must be because he has such an angelic daughter like myself that keeps him sane. Here's a little shout out to you dad. The kids put on their birthday suits just for the occasion. We love you!

Happy Birthday Grandma Turek

Today is my mom's birthday. Tiff and I have been brainstorming of what we can do for her birthday to celebrate. We talked about going out to lunch or dinner with just the girls but then Tiff reminded me that my mom and dad are on some stinking diet and eating out would not be one of the best ideas because of what she CANNOT EAT!! So, Tiff came up with a brilliant plan which I hope to post pictures and the event when the day is done. Stay tuned for a physically challenging activity that even a grandma can do. It's gunna be FUN!!

ok so I'm not the best photographer but I think the pictures will say it all.

It took a little convincing to get them on their bikes

This isn't everyone but the most we could get to hold still for a picture

One picture I am missing is Tiffani's truck LOADED with bikes.

(Four adult bikes, four kids bikes and one bike trailor!)
And, YES! my mom and dad are still walking and speaking to us!

Quick catch-up

I need to post about Payton's big day(s) before Christmas hits and it's all a big blur. So Payton turned six on Tuesday (the 15th) and he hasn't let us forget it since. He really got to celebrate most of the week. We started Sunday night at Todd's mom's where he got to open G-ma Julie's present (two days before his birthday) and have cake and celebrate w/G-pa Blair and Tara's boyfriend Jordan--who's b-day's are the day after Payton's.

Then Monday night we celebrated with my side of the family at G-ma & G-pa Turek's. We had pizza and cake and then the old man {Santa} himself came and visited the kids and sang happy birthday to the three boys having them this month.

Porter was hilarious!

{just a couple quotes from that night need to be written down}

He had to feel Santa's beard {yes! it was real!!}

When Santa read a book about Jesus' birth and the angels coming Porter said, "My grandma Ila died". Good relation son.

He came out of nowhere and gave Santa a big hug--which prompted Santa to tell him he could have anything he wanted...naughty Santa.

And last he kept looking for Santa's reindeer which uncle Jeff kept telling him were in the pasture--yup, Porter went looking for them across the street. They weren't there.

Santa let them all sit on his lap and then he gave all the kids toys which they all loved. Payton got these tops that had lights on them and his cousin Emmie accidentally broke one. {I've gotta put this down Kandice...sorry--Santa lifted Emmie on his knee and said, "Well, you haven't missed a meal!"} Payton got upset at Emmie for breaking his top and then said, "This is the worst Christmas ever!" He got over it...later.

Then Tuesday was Payton's real b-day. He got to take a treat to share at school {Christmas cookies} and came home with the biggest smile wearing his birthday crown. Then that night we went bowling. This year he was given the choice of having a birthday party or getting a present. He chose to have a party and invite his cousins. I don't know how long that will last, but I loved it! His birthday's too close to Christmas and it's an overload of presents. I liked spending money on him this way instead of another toy that might fall apart or get broken later.

Well, I think that wraps up another birthday for the greatest six year old in our house!

Happy Birthday Ju Ju

Crazy that one year ago we brought this sweet little girl home from the hospital with us. Time has flown by! We celebrated her b-day last night. Here's a few pic's from her party...

Khloee and Julia and the new baby doll and stroller

Jul's riding her new toy from g-ma Julie

Kandice made this amazing b-day cake. Julia had 21 people at her party and we only ate the top part of the cake. That lets you know how big of a cake Kandice made. It was awesome!

Jordan, Riley, Tara, Tressa & Payton

g-ma Julie, Julia & Tressa

cake and ice cream...yum!

New presents

TuTu JuJU-Tara made this tutu, the bows and the necklace she's wearing. So cute!

Julia and Riley--wouldn't be a b-day party without b-day suits!

Kisses goodbye.

I'll have to get on the scrapbook pages but you get the idea. Julia had a great first birthday with cake, ice cream and surrounded by family! Thanks everyone!!

Happy Birthday Turdi!!

Trudi with her prize winning petunia at our Sister's 5K Fun Run '09

The three medal winners at the 5K '09

She's a SUPER STAR!!

Today is My sister Trudi's b-day (yes, I spelled her name wrong on the title on purpose)--some of you went back and looked, didn't you? Anyway, I was laying in bed thinking about my day when I remembered I hadn't called her or done anything to wish her a happy birthday! So, following blog tradition, here's your b-day shout out!

Things I love about Trudi:

She's a cleaning machine.

She's always up for a bargain or sale {-k-so who's not?}

She's a totally awesome v-ball coach for those Grantsville Cowboys.

She's a supportive wife and mother

She makes girls weekends so much fun (I'll never forget sharing a bed with her one night and we tried all night to and laugh like my sister Cheri. My abs hurt from laughing so hard)

She's full of energy, the kind I hope I have when I turn 40 like her--{just teasin' Trudi. Even though I know you're not 40 -yet- I had to give you a hard time about your age}

Here's a little video from one of my favorite Girl's Weekends spent at the Washington Community Center climbing the rock wall: I may have blogged about this before but it's worth a second look. I should have Kandice do some cute video with it like she did if my boys that's posted on her blog. Are you up for it Kandice??

I love you Trudi! I totally get a "kick" out of any time I get to spend with you! I Hope you're day was one for the books....or the blog!!

Just needed one more video to show you what a nut my sister is. I mean, even in pretend basketball games she's a little slow, yet not a quiter! Way to ALMOST block that shot! :0)

Happy Birthday Porter!

Porter is four today! It wasn't that long ago we brought him home from the hospital to that dark basement in Washington where he lived his first couple years of life. He's lived in three different homes since he was born-that's a bit crazy to think about. We celebrated at G-ma Julie's Sunday and today we're going to the rodeo (Thank goodness it's kids night so they get in free).

Things I love about Porter..

{He's full of energy! I love hearing his little feet run up and down the halls when he's going somewhere}

{He's my candy boy. Sweets and snacks are definitely his go-to's for "food"}

{He's my "little boy". He's built so different from his brother and I love that we have to safety pin his pants/shorts/swimsuits if they don't quite fit}

{I love his laugh/giggle}

{He LOVES his baby sister}

{He's my social kid and is always asking if he can "go play with friends"}

{He loves movies, books, playing with trucks and his friends}

{He loves sleeping with flashlights}

{He's his Dad's Bud!}

{He says the best blessings on the food--short and to the point}

{I love to hear him sing--my favorite is the country song that sings, "Joey, I'm so sorry"}

Happy Birthday Porter!

Happy Birthday, Todd!

Today is Todd's b-day and it wouldn't be right to wish my sister's a happy one and not my own hubby! What a great husband and father he is. I think this picture of Payton watching his dad says a lot. My boys love their daddy and little Jul's is right there with them. He's such a hard worker and he can play pretty hard too. I just like that the boys are getting old enough to "play" with their dad now and can leave the girls to do their thing.

A few things I love about Todd:

He's always worthy to give any kind of blessing. I love knowing the priesthood is ready and willing to be used in our home

He's non-judgemental. That's one of my biggest weaknesses so we compliment each other!

He's always ready to get outside and "do something". He hates sitting in the house doing "nothing".

He's a hard worker. I love watching him build things. My favorite was watching him build our home.

He's better at cleaning the house than I am. (that can be a little frustrating because he cleans things I don't get to--making me feel guilty...but I'm learning to let him clean without hurting my feelings).

He's a great dad and husband. It took us a few years, and I guess we're still learning, but our communication is getting better, making our marriage better.

Happy Birthday Todd! I love you!

Birthday's Birthday's Birthday's!!

The past couple weeks we've been involved with Birthday's and Parties! We got to celebrate Emmie's second Birthday on the 14th. She had a cowgirl themed party and they brought the pony, "Trigger" from Fredonia for the occasion. Kandice did a cute cake and had some fun games for the kids to play. This is a picture of the cake because I didn't get it on the scrapbook page.

Then last night we got to celebrate Riley's first birthday. Tara and Jordan went all out and had such a fun party for her. They fed us and let us swim at the pool. It was a great way to cool off and celebrate a first birthday! When I watch Riley and how smart she is I look at Julia and think "I'm just not ready for her to do that." She's my baby. I don't want her growing up too fast. I love living close to family so the kids get to play with their cousins. We had a great time and we're looking forward to the 24th coming up. We're going to Enterprise where they have some of the most fun activities planned for Pioneer Day. I knew I'd be taking pictures so I needed to blog about these so it's not an overwhelming blog.

Happy Birthday Kandice!

If things go to plan this post will show up Tuesday while my sisters and I are in Vegas. My plan is for Tiffani and I to steal Kandice away Monday afternoon and take her to Cheri's (who lives in Henderson, NV) where we're just going to play and swim and hang out and swim all night and the next day. Of course we're taking all our kids so it won't all be fun and play but close enough. Kandice's b-day is the 2nd of June so we have to bring her back that day so she can spend time with her hubby--even if he's not as much fun as us girls.
Here's my love list for Kandice:

I love that she can say or do anything (belch, fart, say things) and not feel embarassed or like she's offending anyone. She's free spirited!

I love that she's so good at doing hair--so does Todd when it comes to the cutting part.

I love that she's my big little sister (she's been that way for a LONG time)

I love that she's willing to help me out anytime I need her

I love that I got to work with her at Charlies

I love that we were raised at the tail end so we had each other to hang out with growing up--loved making cookie dough in the basement while our mom and dad were sleeping upstairs.

I love that she's always full of crazy ideas. Sometimes they happen and sometimes they don't but she's always planning the next big thing!

I love that she's my sister! And it wouldn't be right not to say I love her more than family!

Happy B-day Kandice. I hope I'll have some great pictures to post of our trip when we get home!

Happy Birthday Tiff!

Tiffani is the one who got me started on this whole Blog trip so it just wouldn't be right (wright) not to give her a little shout out on her B-day.

But first, Payton would like to type a little something to his Aunt Tiff:

jijijhjihjgijjgijgjijgjtjgjigjjgjjgjhujihhu yuodjiuhy uhdiju huthryijityirjthrjjoe

payton dennis calico

(hmm must be that spanish he knows that I don't.)

Here's the translation he told me:

Happy Birthday to you. Just that you're the greatest aunt. I hope you have a great birthday. and that's all.


Alright, Tiff...my turn...HERE GOES!

My favorite things about Tiffani:
She's one of my go-to's for IDEAS! She's so creative and helps me when I second guess myself and actually comes up with something better.

She's a very patient mother. She can keep her cool better than anyone I know. She just doesn't sweat the small stuff.

She's a lot like Mary Poppins...Practically Perfect in Every Way. I think since we've moved I have more people ask if I'm Tiffani's sister...Even in the InstaCare the front desk lady asked. I'm going to take it as a compliment even if it's not.

She's so full of energy and is always playing with her kids in some way, shape or form. She even talked us sisters into running a 5k this year, which i think has turned into an annual event.

Tiff's got a great sense of humor and I think out of all us girls we may think the most alike...or at least we end up saying the same words together...A LOT OF THE TIME. It's crazy.

I loved growing up with Tiff and hearing about her dates, seeing her go to dances in her gorgeous dresses, watching her play ball (in every sport), sharing rides with her to H.S. pushing the "pumpkin" out of parking spots (it was her car she drove in H.S. and it had no reverse. how it passed inspections year after year I don't know).

Thanks for putting up with my kids and of course putting up with me all these years! We love living closer to you and being able to "play" with you all the time! Happy Birthday!!

As a side note...CONGRATS on the upcoming baby!!

(It's ok to tell now, right Tiff?)

It's Back, They're Back, I'm Back

I've been without our computer for that past week so I've been using our old one...which doesn't work like it should. I couldn't follow any links that I clicked on or print any coupons that I couldn't pull up--doesn't make sense? Doesn't matter-The computer is fixed and back! I can't believe how dependant I am on it. So that's the "It's Back" part.

My parent are finally home after serving their mission in Nauvoo for the past two years. I haven't seen them yet but talked on the phone with them and so happy they're home. I think I'm most excited for them to see Julia because they haven't seen her (well besides the pictures). So, there's the "They're Back" part.

I've had a few things happen that I wanted to blog about and I could have pulled out the journal and wrote them down but what about the fun pictures?? Where would they go? So I decided to wait until the computer came back to blog about life. Julia is getting so good at sitting up! She can't really roll over and hates being on her tummy but she loves sitting up if there are toys to play with. She doesn't want anything to do with food yet--unless it's a little piece of bread from mom's dinner plate.

Easter came and went and this is the best picture of the three Calico Kids together--couldn't get Julia to look up. We went to Todd's G-ma & G-pa Wittwer's on Sunday for a great dinner and egg hunt. Sunday morning was cute because Payton brought his Easter basket in the house and said, "How did Grandma Wittwer get here so fast?" He knows she's the Easter Bunny (at least at her house she is).

The boys had been fighting a bit last week and I got to the point that I needed to take action. I just hope the action I took isn't considered child abuse. I told them if they were going to fight again I was going to tie them together and give them a chore to complete and they would have to work together. It wasn't five minutes later that I took some drawstring from a pair of shorts (not sure what shorts they're from yet) and tied their arms together and sent them to get the mail. Porter was bawling! He didn't want to be tied together! They came back from the mail box laughing with each other and told me about the ant that tried to bite Porter on the way back. Seemed to work, right? Well, the next day I hear them fighting again and then I hear Payton say, "We better stop fighting or mom's going to tie us together again." The fighting stopped for a moment and then started again. If it hadn't been for Payton's comment I would have forgotten about my plan of "tying them together". So I got the "rope" and tied their ankles together (kinda like you do when you're going to run a three legged race--Brenda and I were the best together) then I told them to walk around the house together and they had to work together. They were both crying this time. Sad thing is that they didn't figure out they could have easily slipped it off their feet if they wanted to--or had thought about it. It wasn't tied that tight. I had to video tape them coming around the house because I thought it was so funny that something I loved to do as a kid is turning into punishment for my kids...how does that work?

One Last Thing...

Happy Birthday Brenda!!

I consider Brenda my best friend growing up because it seems like we did EVERYTHING together! Today is her b-day and I hope she enjoys every minute! If I had a scanner that worked I would have some awesome photo's to post of her but we'll save that for another post.

Happy Birthday Julie!

Julie & Payton

(thanks for bringing the cake Tara!)

Julia

Blair & Tressa

Baby Riley

Poor G-ma had to sit at the bar at the boys request (sorry)

Yesterday was my mother-in-laws birthday. She always cooks dinner for us on Sunday's (well since we moved to La Verkin we decided every other Sunday--to save gas)...Anyway, we decided to have a little party for her Friday night.

tREY & tODD

tARA & jORDAN

We invited all of Todd's family over for dinner and dessert. Thank goodness we split up the meal so I wasn't overwhelmed. It was so fun to have everyone here and the food was great! I only took pictures of us eating and then the b-day cake cuz that baby was blazing!

buRn bAby buRn!

BloWing OuT tHe cAndLes!

Here's a few things I love about Julie...

-She's a great cook! She's always got new recipe's to try and I can't think of any of them I haven't liked.

-She loves my kids (could be cuz they're her grandkids)! I think it's great that my boys love to go to Grandma's house! Even if we're just driving in town they ask if we're going to Grandma's that day. They're bummed out when I tell them no.

-She's always busy--by that I mean I don't see her just sitting around much. She's either going running or cooking or sewing or stuffing animals for the D.I. I don't think she knows how to sit still unless it's bed time and she's going to sleep for the night.

-She loves her family! I think the best part about this is that I'm part of that family!

Happy Birthday Julie (well the blog's a bit late but you know what I mean!)

We love you!

(sorry Tav & Amie...for some reason there is no pictures of you two. You must have been around me when the camera was not in hand?)